The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency has signed a no-bid contract worth $16.7 million for 6,000 pairs of electric shock gloves intended for use on detainees and protesters. The procurement has drawn immediate opposition from civil rights groups and lawmakers.
Contract details and intended use
The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency concluded a six-month agreement with Kentucky-based Compliant Technologies for 6,000 pairs of electric shock gloves along with support equipment and services. The notice appeared in a federal procurement database on 27 August 2026. ICE described the devices as de-escalation tools for high-tension situations including arrests, transport of combative detainees, and crowd management outside detention facilities.
According to the agency, the gloves are designed to deliver shocks when a subject is actively or passively resisting and officers need to gain control quickly. ICE stated the equipment would help prevent injuries to both officers and subjects and would serve as an alternative to firearms under approved policy and training standards.
Criticism from lawmakers and advocates
More than 50 people have died in ICE custody nationwide since January 2025. Civil rights organizations and Democratic senators have raised concerns about the lack of independent oversight. The American Civil Liberties Union warned that concealed delivery of pain could lead to greater harm and reduced accountability.
A group of US senators sent a letter to ICE leadership hours before the contract notice, citing recent fatal shootings of two US citizens in Minnesota and other incidents. They called for public disclosure of training protocols, use documentation, and internal review procedures before deployment.
Agency response
The Department of Homeland Security rejected calls to halt the purchase. It described attempts to restrict safety equipment for federal officers as an effort to undermine law enforcement. ICE maintained that all use would follow existing accountability standards.
Frequently asked questions
What are electric shock gloves?
Electric shock gloves deliver a painful electrical charge to assist officers in gaining control of resisting individuals. [TO VERIFY: exact voltage and manufacturer specifications not provided in source material]
Why did ICE choose a no-bid contract?
The agency cited operational urgency for rapid acquisition of the devices over the next six months.
Who will use the gloves?
ICE officers are expected to deploy them during arrests, detainee transport, and civil disturbance management at facilities.
Key takeaways
- ICE signed a $16.7 million contract for 6,000 pairs of electric shock gloves.
- The devices are intended for use on resisting detainees and protesters.
- Civil rights groups and senators have called for additional oversight.
- More than 50 deaths in ICE custody have occurred since January 2025.
- The Department of Homeland Security defended the procurement as necessary for officer safety.
